Description
Honey Lemon Chicken with Asparagus became my go-to weeknight dinner that practically cooks itself in one pan. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques mean you can have a delicious meal ready faster than ordering takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), halved horizontally
Seasonings and Coating:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt
- Pepper
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
Sauce Ingredients:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Slice 2 chicken breasts (227 grams) horizontally into thinner pieces. Pat dry with paper towels and sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper across surfaces. Optional: Dust each piece with 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet at 375°F (190°C). Carefully place chicken pieces, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer chicken to a clean plate.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons butter and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté 30 seconds until aromatic. Pour 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup honey, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest into pan.
- Simmer sauce 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. Gently return chicken to skillet, coating each piece with sauce.
- Add 1 bunch trimmed asparagus (approximately 450 grams) to skillet’s opposite side. Sprinkle asparagus with pinch of salt and pepper. Cover pan, cook 4-5 minutes until asparagus turns bright green and becomes crisp-tender.
- Remove lid and cook additional 1 minute to concentrate sauce. Ensure sauce becomes glossy and clings to chicken and asparagus. Serve immediately with extra sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that seals in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F for food safety without overcooking.
- Choose fresh, thin asparagus spears for the best texture and fastest cooking time.
- Adjust honey and lemon quantities to balance sweetness and acidity according to personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 29 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 291 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 263 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg